Tag: heatwave

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Britain drying under yet another heatwave

Guillaume came all the way from the South of France to escape the heat, expecting chilly winds and a milder summer, but was gravely disappointed…reports Asian Lite News

Another heatwave has engulfed Britain. Temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius by Friday and Saturday, prompting an amber weather warning (the second-most severe after red) and a hosepipe ban in some areas.

The current heat wave is milder than the one in July, when temperatures hovered around 40 degrees Celsius, but a prolonged English summer with extreme heat and dryness is unprecedented in recent memory.

“I’ve never seen a summer like this before,” Ryan, a Whales resident, said while feeding the pigeons in Hyde Park.

Parks and Greek have suffered the most as water reserves have run dry. The stretches of green have turned brown, dry, and parched, making it an ideal breeding ground for wildfires.

However, measures such as the government’s hosepipe ban, which was implemented to limit water usage, can be counterproductive at times because they can cause fires. The emergency services are on standby.

Guillaume came all the way from the South of France to escape the heat, expecting chilly winds and a milder summer, but was gravely disappointed.

“I chose London because it’s usually chilly and milder than where I am from. So I usually use this [trip] to escape the heat wave, but not this time,” Guillaume said as he searched for a lawn chair in the shade in one of London’s parks.

While the warnings remain lower than those issued during last month’s record temperatures, the UKHSA’s Dr Agostinho Sousa emphasised it was important vulnerable people, like the elderly who live alone or anyone with underlying health conditions, were “prepared for coping during the hot weather”.

“The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and take steps to prevent their homes from overheating,” he added.

Disabled people could be particularly affected by heat, and may suffer fatigue, difficulty regulating their body temperatures, or problems moving to cooler spots in the home, Fazilet Hadi, from Disability Rights UK, said.

Meanwhile, a dairy farmer in Shropshire has said he might have to send some of his cows to slaughter if there is no rain in August as a result of the reduced amount of grass available.

According to the Met Office, temperatures are not set to be as extreme as those in July which smashed records when the mercury climbed to above 40 degrees Celsius in some areas in the UK for the first time.

The dry conditions, combined with last month’s record-breaking heatwave, have depleted rivers, reservoirs and aquifers and dried up soils, hitting agriculture, water supplies and wildlife and raising the risk of wildfires.

Meanwhile, there was no immediate sign of rain in the latest forecast from the Met Office.

Temperatures are likely to rise into the low to mid-30s in the next few days in the area covered by the Met Office amber warning.

Outside the warning area, heatwave thresholds, which are met at different temperatures in different parts of the country, are still likely to be met for much of the UK, with temperatures widely into the high 20s and a chance of a few spots seeing temperatures into the low 30s.

Scotland and Northern Ireland will also see temperatures into the high 20s and could reach official heatwave criteria by Friday.

The Met Office’s fire severity index, an assessment of how severe a fire could become if one were to start, is very high for most of England and Wales, and will reach “exceptional” for a swathe of England by the weekend.

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Climate change making heatwaves deadlier

The UK’s heat wave earlier this month fueled so many blazes in London that the city’s fire service was busier than any day since Nazi attacks in World War II…reports Asian Lite News

The UK’s heat wave earlier this month fueled so many blazes in London that the city’s fire service was busier than any day since Nazi attacks in World War II. More than 840 people may have died in England and Wales, according to a preliminary analysis. Now, a rapid scientific analysis of the event concludes that without climate change those conditions would have been “extremely unlikely.”

World Weather Attribution, the research team that conducted the study, looked at the weather in the southern half of the country on July 18-19, analyzing both peak temperatures and two-day averages. The analysis, released Thursday, found greenhouse gas pollution made the heat wave at least 10 times likelier and 4° Celsius (7.2° Fahrenheit) hotter than it would have been.

Coningsby, Lincolnshire, in east-central England, set a new UK heat record of 40.3°C (104.5°F) on July 19, breaking by 1.6°C the previous mark set in 2019. Forty-six UK weather stations recorded new highs. The heat wave also set a new mark for what scientists confusingly call high minimums, or basically hot nighttime temperatures. The country’s new night heat record is 25.8°C, almost 2°C hotter than the mark set in 1990.

The scientists at World Weather Attribution used two methods: a statistical approach looking at the temperature record, and an analysis that combines historical data with multiple climate models. The team’s methodology is peer-reviewed. Having a verified approach allows team members to conduct a rapid analysis, which itself is not immediately peer-reviewed.

Heat waves are the most straightforward kind of extreme weather for scientists to study, because they can look at temperature records without the additional complexity of atmospheric and water-system dynamics that give rise to cyclones, drought and wildfires. The effect of greenhouse gas pollution on temperature is so pronounced in general that WWA says it no longer needs to study every heat wave to know that the influence is there.

“[G]lobally, as a direct result of climate change, previously very rare heat is now just unusual,” they write. “While, in some cases, events now considered ‘extreme’ reach temperatures that were formerly all but impossible.”

WWA has become an authority on establishing links between global warming and extreme weather such as droughts and storms. Much of its work focuses on intense heat. The June 2021 heat wave over the western US-Canada border would have been “virtually impossible” without climate change. Heat this spring in India and Pakistan was 30 times more likely because of greenhouse gas pollution. Siberian heat in the first half of 2020 was 600 times likelier.

Every heat wave emerges against a local backdrop of forces. But sometimes variability in WWA’s results can come from the limitations of available tools. These can explain why their conclusions about seemingly similar heat waves may differ. Models, for example, sometimes underestimate the scale of manmade warming so far. That means analyses that blend observations and models “are thus almost certainly too conservative,” the group wrote in a summary of its findings.

“It would have been four degrees cooler without climate change, but in the models, we only see that it’s two degrees cooler without climate change,” said Friederike Otto, senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London and WWA’s leader. “Which means that we cannot — with the tools we have available today — we cannot really quantify the role of climate change in a very satisfactory way.”

To accompany its primary analysis, the team looked at the temperature histories for three specific weather stations. For St. James Park, Cranwell, near where the new UK record high was set, the heat was a 1-in-500 years event. For Durham, which has temperature records that date back to 1880 and broke its local record by 4°C, the heat wave had a probability of occurring once every 1,500 years. Those calculations were made based on today’s climate — already 1.2°C hotter than before industrialization.

The UK has a jump on most of the world when it comes to preparing for heat extremes. First issued a year after the 2003 European heat wave, which was an impetus for the formal study of climate impacts on extreme weather, the Heatwave Plan for England was revised in 2012 and this month deployed to communicate health risks widely and clearly. The government issued its first color-coded heat alert, “amber,” which warns of temperatures so high that “fit and healthy” people, not only high-risk individuals, could be susceptible to illness or even death.

ALSO READ-Europe’s heatwave is a strong warning

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Europe’s heatwave is a strong warning

heatwave

When we think of Europe, we mostly think of cold and enjoyable weather, as compared to our scorching heat and humid weather. But in 2022, the European continent is facing one of the worst summers, writes Asad Mirza

The extreme temperatures witnessed in Europe during the last fortnight, are the results of our own making, and maybe this is a wake-up call for the humans to stop playing with nature.

When we think of Europe, we mostly think of cold and enjoyable weather, as compared to our scorching heat and humid weather. But in 2022, the European continent is facing one of the worst summers.

Usually, by Indian standards even the European summers were considered to be much better than our winters, but record-breaking heat affecting parts of Western Europe during the fortnight, with UK temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for the first time since record-keeping began in 1772, has proved us wrong.

Temperatures dived in many other countries in Europe, with 64 different areas in France experiencing record highs and temperatures in Portugal reaching 47 degrees Celsius.

The dangerously high temperatures have had other additional consequences, too, with Portugal reporting more than 1,000 heat-wave-related deaths in the last fortnight. At least 13 people have died in open water-related incidents in the UK.

People cool off at a fountain in Berlin, capital of Germany. (Xinhua Shan Yuqi IANS)

Extreme heat-wave warnings were issued in France and record July temperatures were reported in the Netherlands. In Paris, the thermometer crossed the 40 degrees Celsius for the third time this summer.

In addition, wildfires continue to sweep across parts of Southwest Europe. As well as increased ozone pollution, the European heat wave is also exacerbating the scale and intensity of wildfires currently raging across southern Europe, especially in south-western France, Spain and Portugal. The worst affected regions to date include the Gironde region south of Bordeaux, Extremadura and Galicia in Spain, and parts of Portugal.

This is also accompanied with the fact that Europe is witnessing more and more floods in the regions where they were unheard of like in Germany and the UK. Experts blame Climate Change for the soaring temperatures across the world, especially Europe, and have warned that worse is yet to come.

Scientific View

The Guardian reported Prof. Richard Allan, of the University of Reading as saying that Climate Change is intensifying these heat waves as greenhouse gas increases raise temperatures and a warmer, more thirsty atmosphere dries out the soil, so that more of the sun’s energy is available to heat the ground rather than evaporating water.

The Politico quoted Mariam Zachariah, climate scientist at Imperial College London, as saying that build-up of CO2 from burning fossil fuels has made heat waves more intense and more frequent across the globe, including in Europe.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warned last week that Europe’s heat wave could persist into the middle of next week, whereas the negative impacts of climate change are bound to continue at least until 2060s.

Robert Stefanski, chief of Applied Climate Services at the WMO, at a joint press briefing with the World Health Organisation (WHO), also said that record heat waves are becoming more frequent because of climate change.

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) scientists are predicting very high levels of surface ozone pollution across a large region of Europe as temperatures soar. They also warn about very high levels of ozone pollution in southern Europe caused by the heat wave could now affect north-western regions in the coming week. The prediction comes after extremely high surface ozone pollution was experienced across western and southern Europe, particularly along the west Coast of Portugal and parts of northern Italy.

Mark Parrington, Senior Scientist from the CAMS, says the potential impacts of very high ozone pollution on human health can be considerable both in terms of respiratory and cardio-vascular illness. Higher values can lead to symptoms such as sore throat, coughing, headache and an increased risk of asthma attacks. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition estimates that ozone pollution causes approximately one million additional deaths per year. This is why it is crucial that we monitor surface ozone levels.

Recently BBC has published a revealing report, which highlights how the major culprits responsible for environmental degradation had planned and executed a bold campaign 30 years ago, to spread doubt and persuade the public that Climate Change was not a problem. The tie-up between some of America’s biggest industrial players and a PR genius – forged a devastatingly successful strategy that endured for years, and the consequences of which are all around us.

Firefighters battle a wildfire in Cebreros, Castilla y Leon, Spain, on July 21, 2022. (Junta de Castilla y LeonHandout via Xinhua IANS)

Climate Change and Big Business

The Global Climate Coalition (GCC), which represented the oil, coal, auto, utilities, steel, and rail industries, hired a communications partner to change the narrative on Climate Change. The strategy was implemented through an extensive media campaign, including placing quotes and pitching opinion pieces. The groundwork was laid meticulously for the industry’s biggest campaign to date – opposing international efforts to negotiate emissions reductions in Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997.

This makes us wonder where we have gone wrong. It is indeed true to say that during the last 100 years humans have wrecked the earth so much that nature is turning back on them.

We hear constant talk of environment planning and tackling Climate Change effects, but find most governments wanting in fulfilling their pledges committed at different environment foras, such as COP26 and other international bodies.

The basic requirement is that we’ll have to change our lifestyles too, to cope with the climate challenges. We’ll have to change the way we are constructing our commercial and residential buildings, all clad in either glass or aluminium cladding requiring more heat intensive mechanisms to maintain cooler temperature. In hotels worldwide it is a normal practice to maintain the building temperature at 17 degrees Celsius, why can’t we make it a more reasonable 21 degrees Celsius? In addition we also need to change our style of construction using a judicious mix of stone, cement and wood, not just relying on one particular product, besides ensuring less usage of wood.

If we humans don’t act now instead of just preaching and making hollow promises then we could just look forward to our own extinction much earlier than envisaged by nature.

(Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi. He writes on Muslims, educational, international affairs, interfaith and current affairs. The views expressed are personal)

ALSO READ: Heatwave kills 510 people in Spain

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UK News

Heatwave reveals nearly 300 years old royal garden

The discovery went viral on the net as people marvelled at the gardens…reports Asian Lite News

In a startling development, extreme temperature due to heatwave dried the grass of south lawn at Chatsworth House leading to the discovery of a garden nearly 300 years old in the UK.

The garden consisting of plant beds and hedges, neatly separated by pathways, was reportedly built by the Duke of Devonshire in 1699. Drone footage revealed the remains of the 17th-century lawn as it gave a glimpse of the glittering past.

The discovery went viral on the net as people marvelled at the gardens.

It was found in Peak District National Park which is part of the garden on Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. The estate is reportedly owned by the Devonshire family. It is known as Great Parterre. The garden reportedly measures 473 to 227 feet with intricate flower beds.

Reports claimed it was hidden under the grass for centuries until it was discovered as temperatures peaked in the UK.

ALSO READ-Heatwave kills 510 people in Spain

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-Top News China

China issues extreme heat alert

Several Chinese regions including Xinjiang and Fujian facing record high temperatures as blistering heatwaves hit the country with the hot weather forecast…reports Asian Lite News

As intense heat waves continue to linger in several parts of China, the country issued an orange alert for high temperatures on Sunday.

Temperatures in parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, and Xinjiang may surpass 40 degrees Celsius, China’s national observatory stated, reported Xinhua.

 During daylight hours on Monday, parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Jiangsu, Anhui, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang are expected to experience temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius, the National Meteorological Center said, suggesting that workers exposed to high temperatures shorten continuous working hours and outdoor activities during high-temperature periods should be avoided.

Several Chinese regions including Xinjiang and Fujian facing record high temperatures as blistering heatwaves hit the country with the hot weather forecast.

Yesterday noon, the Xinjiang region raised the high-temperature alert from orange to red, the highest in China’s four-tier weather warning system for extreme heat.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General last week warned that heatwaves will happen more frequently because of climate change, adding that the connection has been clearly demonstrated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC).

In the Mediterranean, a worrisome combination of climatic impact-driver changes (warming; temperature extremes; increase in droughts and aridity; precipitation decrease; wildfire increase; mean and extreme sea levels; snow cover decrease; and wind speed decrease) is expected by mid-century if global warming exceeds 2°C, reported Xinhua.

The prolonged heatwaves have threatened crops and people’s lives and pushed China’s power usage to record-breaking levels.

Since June, China has experienced this year’s first regional hot weather. In total, 71 national weather stations across China have broken records with the highest temperatures.

Some cities in southern China have been gripped by the dual challenges of heatwaves and sporadic clusters of COVID-19 infections.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. (ANI)

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Heat wave sweeps US

Politicians are blaming global warming as the reason for climate change leading to unusual heat waves in countries which have not experienced such temperatures…writes ASHOK NILAKANTAN

The US has come under a “Heat Wave Warning” from the National Weather Service saying “Dangerous Levels” could be reached this week affecting 100 million Americans across several states from Texas, Louisiana to Kansas and Missouri.

The summer heat is getting intense, so hot that forecasters put nearly 100 million Americans under excessive heat warnings or advisories this week. The National Weather Service says the “dangerous heat” is forecast to impact a large swath of the country, including states ranging from Texas and Louisiana to Kansas and Missouri.

Heat wave is sweeping across Europe and London alone experienced the seasons highest off 40 degrees Celsius on a single day sending Londoners to the nearest air conditioners and fan shops to buy them to cool themselves down, reports from London said.

Politicians are blaming global warming as the reason for climate change leading to unusual heat waves in countries which have not experienced such temperatures.

A number of states were also placed under a heat advisory with most areas forecast to reach at least the high 90s (Fahrenheit) and other areas, including Phantom Ranch, Ariz., on track to reach a whopping 114 degrees. Amarillo, Texas, is similarly expected to reach a high of 113 degrees and Shreveport, Louisiana, will soar to 108 degrees, according to a report in the USA today quoting NWS sources.

Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas are expected to bear the brunt of the highest temperatures, forecasters say.

“This warning is reserved for only the hottest days of the year and is issued when temperatures are expected to rise to dangerous levels,” the National Weather Service wrote in an excessive heat warning.

The Weather Service places areas under an excessive heat warning when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least two days and temperatures won’t dip below 75 degrees. A heat advisory is posted for an area when temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees for at least two days.

The “extreme heat” will continue through the week and expand across the Northeast on Wednesday, according to the Weather Service. A majority of the excessive heat warnings mostly cover the southern Plains and lower Mississippi River Valley.

Several heat advisories have also been placed in portions of the Northeast, ranging from Philadelphia to Boston. In those areas, the heat index is expected to approach 100 degrees.

Heat index is how hot it really feels when humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature, according to the Weather Service. For example, if the relative humidity reaches 70 per cent and the temperature is 90 degrees, the heat index will be 105.

In addition to high temperatures, several states are also seeing heightened fire danger. The Weather Service placed portions of Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas under red flag warnings. These warnings, USA today says, mean weather conditions, such as high heat, low humidity and strong winds, along with dry vegetation are providing the perfect mix for wildfires that could rapidly grow out of control.

Almost 90 large fires are actively burning across 13 states, 58 in Alaska alone. Over 3 million acres are covered in US large fires, as of Tuesday. The largest active wildfire in Alaska is up to 865,620 acres wide in McGrath. It is 56 per cent contained and expected to be fully contained by August 1.

The Weather Service is advising people to take extra care when outside and do things like drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and getting out of the sun. “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” the National Weather Service wrote in a heat advisory warning.

As temperatures rise, it is important to know the symptoms for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, profuse sweating, pale skin, nausea, weak pulse and muscle cramps. Someone experiencing a heat stroke may have a pulsating headache, dry skin, nausea and even lose consciousness. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, they should immediately seek medical assistance and try to cool down.

ALSO READ: Heatwave kills 510 people in Spain

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-Top News Europe

Heatwave kills 510 people in Spain

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According to the ISCIII System of Monitorisation of Daily Mortality, the number of heat-related deaths increased sharply as the heatwave escalated…reports Asian Lite News

Spain’s Health Ministry has said that 510 people died from heat-related causes in the first week of a heatwave when the mercury reached 45 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country.

The fatalities were reported by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) on Monday, which forms part of the Ministry, between July 10 and 16, with Saturday the deadliest to date with 150 victims.

According to the ISCIII System of Monitorisation of Daily Mortality, the number of heat-related deaths increased sharply as the heatwave escalated.

It said deaths quadrupled from 15 to 60 in the four days from July 10 to 13. The figure then jumped further to 93 last Thursday and 123 on Friday, before reaching a climax of 150 on Saturday.

The toll is feared to rise even further when new figures are published for Sunday.

The heat is especially affecting the elderly, with 321 of the 510 victims aged 85 years or above, 121 between 75 and 84 years of age, and 44 between 65 and 74 years of age.

However, deaths were also reported among the younger population, including two municipal workers in Madrid who died of heatstroke. This prompted the city hall to adopt more flexible working hours, so that workers could avoid working outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.

Among the younger victims were also a fireman and a shepherd, who died in the wildfires that are engulfing Spain as well as some other areas in southern Europe.

This is Spain’s second heatwave of the summer. The previous one, from June 11 to 17, caused 829 deaths, according to ISCIII.

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Unusual mid-June heatwave cooks Europe

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The UK Health Security Agency has issued a level-three heat-health alert across London, the southeast and east England, which requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups….reports Asian Lite News

 As Europe is facing an unusually early and intense heatwave coming from North Africa, governments of many countries have issued warnings and instructions to the public on how to “survive” it.

In France, monthly heat records were recorded in several cities, Xinhua news agency quoted local media as saying.

According to French daily Le Figaro, an absolute record for the seaside city of Biarritz was recorded at 42.4 degrees Celsius, with an average of 35 degree in other regions in France.

A total of 14 French departments were under a heatwave red alert on Friday.

About three-quarters of the French population are affected by the orange and red heatwave alert.

On Saturday evening, the situation remained extreme, unprecedented, with exceptionally high temperatures never before observed so early in the season, Le Figaro reported.

The French government has also set up a “heat” line to help people in need in case of emergency.

Across the English Channel, Britain’s Met Office has issued a level-three warning, the second highest, for the heatwave in London, southeast and east England, as the temperature rose to 33 degrees Celsius, the highest since summer 2020.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a level-three heat-health alert across London, the southeast and east England, which requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesperson, told the media that temperatures in the early 30s were “not unprecedented but it is unusual to see temperatures this high this early in the year”.

“What we’ve been noticing for the last few years is that even when we get these brief spells of heat, these bursts of heat from the South making our way … they do tend to be really intense,” meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker told the BBC.

“We’re going to be pushing the mid-30s, that is something that you are starting to see more frequently, so an indication of that climate perhaps shifting,” he said.

The heatwave has also swept across Italy this week, sparking emergencies in at least four cities and putting half of the agricultural production in the north at drought risk.

An orange heat emergency, the second highest emergency level, was declared in the cities of Brescia, Turin, Florence and Perugia.

The most vulnerable, the elderly, children, the chronically ill, and pregnant women are advised to stay indoors.

Temperatures in some parts of the north topped 40 degrees Celsius.

The agricultural association Agricotori Italiani said as much as half of the agricultural production in northern Italy was now at risk due to drought conditions.

In Spain, temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius that have put 11 of the country’s 17 autonomous communities under an orange alert for high temperatures, continue to fuel a series of wildfires that have destroyed around 13,000 hectares of forest and scrubland over the past three days.

Rescue services have reported fires in the communities of Catalonia, Navarra, Aragon and Castile-Leon, while a blaze in the Meseta Iberica in Sierra de la Culebra hills in the province of Zamora has devastated 9,000 hectares.

The fire has also led to the evacuation of 650 people from their homes in several small towns, after being started by a lightning strike on June 15.

Three further fires in Catalonia have so far destroyed 2,000 hectares, although the Catalan fire brigade warns that high temperatures and strong winds mean these fires have the potential to spread a lot more.

Meanwhile, reservoirs in Spain are at an average of 48 per cent capacity, which is 10 per cent down on 2021 and 20 per cent lower than the average for the last 10 years.

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Environment India News

Heatwave to continue in central, west India for next 4-5 days

Chandrapur in Maharashtra recorded the highest maximum temperature across India at 44.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Akola (Maharashtra) at 43.2 degrees Celsius…reports Asian Lite News

Even as Delhi-NCR continued to witness maximum temperatures hovering between 39-41.2 degrees Celsius while Chandrapur in Maharashtra topped with maximum temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said the heatwave spell is likely to continue over Central and West India during next 4-5 days.

Safdarjung, Delhi’s base station, recorded 39.6 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, and predicted maximum temperature to be 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday and Friday both. In similar range, Palam Observatory recorded maximum temperature of 39.6 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road (40.1), Ridge (40.9), Ayanagar (40.3), Jafarpur (40.0), Najafgarh (40.6), Narela (41.7), Pitampura (41.4), Sports Complex, Dwarka (41.5) and Mayur Vihar recorded 38.4 degrees Celsius while Gurgaon (40.8), Noida (39.4) too, saw maximum temperature in the similar range.

Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions were observed in most parts of West Rajasthan, in many parts of Himachal Pradesh and in some parts of Haryana while heat wave conditions were observed in some parts of East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and isolated pockets of Jammu Division and Uttar Pradesh.

Chandrapur in Maharashtra recorded the highest maximum temperature across India at 44.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Akola (Maharashtra) at 43.2 degrees Celsius.

Multiple places across India that recorded temperatures above 41 degrees Celsius: Gujarat — Rajkot (41.3), Amreli (41.5), Bhuj (41.8) and Surendra Nagar (41.3); Maharashtra — Amaravati (41.8), Washim (42.5), Wardha (42.8), Nagpur (42.1), Brahmapuri (41.8) and Gondia (41.5), Malegaon (41.0), Solapur (42.8); Rajasthan — Ganganagar (41.3), Churu (43), Bikaner (42.5), Jaisalmer (41.8), Barmer (42.7), Jodhpur (41.2), Pilani (42.8) and Kota (41.6); Madhya Pradesh – Ratlam (41.8), Gwalior (41.7), Rajgarh (42.0), Khandwa (42.1), Khargone (42.4), Dhar (41.2), Khajuraho (42.4), Damoh (41.8) and Satna (41.2) degrees Celsius, the IMD data showed.

Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in most parts are very likely to continue over in many parts on March 31 and in some parts over West Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan & West Madhya Pradesh on March 31. Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in isolated pockets over south Haryana & Delhi on March 31.

“It is likely to reduce spatially and in terms of intensity over these areas during April 1-3 with heatwave conditions in some pockets over these areas during the same period,” the IMD forecast added.

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NW, Central, South-Central India country’s new heatwave hotspots

The study showed a shift in the spatio-temporal trend of heatwave events from the eastern region of Gangetic West Bengal and Bihar to North-Western, Central and South-Central region of India…reports Asian Lite News.

North-Western, Central, and South-Central regions of India are the new hotspots of intense heatwave events over the past half century, said a study which found an increase in deadly Indian heatwaves in recent years.

The study also highlights the need for developing effective heat action plans in the three heatwave hotspot regions with a focus on different vulnerabilities among the inhabitants, a Science and Technology Ministry release said on Tuesday.

Heatwaves have emerged as a deadly health hazard, claiming thousands of lives across the globe in recent decades, with episodes strengthening in frequency, intensity, and duration in the past half century in India as well. This has caused severe impacts on health, agriculture, economy, and infrastructure.

“In such a scenario, it is extremely important to identify the most heatwave vulnerable regions of the country to prioritise immediate policy intervention and stringent mitigation and adaptation strategies,” said the study, published in the International Journal of Climatology.

A team of researchers led by Prof R.K. Mall and others, including Saumya Singh and Nidhi Singh from the Banaras Hindu University’s Department of Science & Technology’s Mahamana Centre of Excellence in Climate Change Research (MCECCR) studied the change in spatial and temporal trends in heatwaves and severe heatwaves over the past seven decades in different meteorological subdivisions of India. This work was supported under the Climate Change Programme of the Department of Science and Technology, the release said.

The study showed a shift in the spatio-temporal trend of heatwave events from the eastern region of Gangetic West Bengal and Bihar to North-Western, Central and South-Central region of India. The research also observed an alarming southward expansion and a spatial surge in severe heatwave events in the last few decades that may put a greater population at additional risk of heat stress in a region already characterised by low diurnal temperature range (DTR), or the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures within one day and high humidity.

Importantly, the heatwave/severe heatwave events were found to be positively correlated with mortality in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, highlighting that human health is highly susceptible to severe heatwave disasters, the release said.

“With an ever-increasing extreme-temperature threshold, a heat resilient future is the need of the hour. Dense population with an intensive outdoor work culture calls for an equitable heat resilient mitigation and adaptation strategies covering each section of the society depending on their vulnerability,” the study said as it highlighted the need for developing effective heat action plans in the three heatwave hotspot regions.

This study was recently published in an international journal, “Atmospheric Research”.

ALSO READ-IMD rules out heat wave conditions for next five days